To avoid an early closure fee, a charge for closing too soon, read the fee schedule before opening. Then check the bonus offer, record both deadlines, and wait until both expire before closing. Banks that impose the fee typically charge $5 to $50 for closure within 90 to 180 days, according to Bankrate's 2025 fee coverage. The account agreement and fee schedule control whether the charge applies.
Table of Contents
- What will you pay if you close too soon?
- Why can a bonus clawback cost more than the fee?
- How do you lock in a safe closing date?
- How do you close cleanly after the window ends?
What will you pay if you close too soon?
Recent examples show how the window varies. The Bonus Stack's November 2026 roundup lists BMO Smart Advantage at $50 within 90 days and M&T at $50 within 180 days. It also lists U.S. Bank Smartly Checking at $50 and KeyBank at $25.
Not every large bank charges the fee. WealthVieu's October 15, 2026 review found no early-closure fee in schedules from five large banks. Those banks were Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and TD Bank.
Why can a bonus clawback cost more than the fee?
A bonus clawback is separate from the closure fee. The Bonus Stack reports that terms may reclaim the whole bonus if you close early, such as within 12 months.
That loss often exceeds a $25 to $50 fee. A fee takes a fixed dollar amount, while a clawback can erase several hundred dollars in bonus value.
How do you lock in a safe closing date?
Read the fee schedule plus the bonus offer before you open. Federal Truth in Savings rules require uniform disclosures, according to the FDIC, so use those documents as the control. Record the two dates separately, because they often differ:.
- write down the closure-fee window, such as 90 or 180 days
- write down the bonus hold period, such as 12 months
- wait until both periods expire before closing
How do you close cleanly after the window ends?
Move payments and deposits before you close. The CFPB's moving-account checklist says list automatic payments and deposits, redirect direct deposit and debits, leave a cushion, then close and get written confirmation. Closing alone does not stop automatic payments.
Resolve any negative balance first, because the bank can collect what you owe. CFPB guidance also warns that unilaterally reopening a closed account to assess overdraft or NSF fees can violate federal law. Get written confirmation that the account is closed with a zero balance.
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